The Internet Is Loving the Box Bob This Season (and We Kinda Do, Too)

If someone ever questioned if bobs are still in style, just look at the latest trends sweeping the internet. From the Italian bob to the bullet bob, this short haircut continues to reinvent itself, so it’s no surprise we’re adding a new iteration to the list. Meet the box bob, which is a choppy cut that is loved by celebrities and praised by stylists. Here, we tapped a few experts to share tips on how to achieve the latest hair trend. 

• Juli Akaneya is a New York-based hairstylist who specializes in editorial, advertising and high fashion looks. She has previously worked with brands like Something Navy, Verb and Veronica Beard. 
• David Garcia is a Chicago-based hairstylist who specializes in extensions, style cutting and keratin treatments. He’s also a brand ambassador and hair specialist for Tricoci Salon & Spa, which offers beauty services, hair care products and spa treatments in various locations across Chicago.
• Xavier Velasquez is a celebrity hairstylist at Jenny Perry Hair Studio in New York City. He’s also a brand ambassador for Virtue and specializes in editorial, runway and advertising looks. His clients include Kristen Stewart, Anna Sophia Robb and Julianne Hough. 

The box bob is a modern take on the classic style. As Akaneya explains, the haircut focuses primarily on texture and movement. “It’s not layered in the traditional way, so it doesn’t look round or tapered like a traditional bob. However, it’s still thick at the ends,” she says. The cut also features face-framing tendrils, which are cut shorter than the rest of your hair to accentuate your face and offer more styling options (like a chic updo). 

First and foremost, we can all agree that any bob style is worth trying at least once in your life. Not only is it a great option if you’re looking to do the big chop, but it’s also a low-maintenance cut that’s easy to maintain and style. “The box bob is understated and chic, yet it speaks volume. It goes very well with the ‘quiet luxury’ aesthetic that’s currently trending right now,” explains Velasquez. Locals in New York, Paris and London have been all over the trend as of late. It’s even been spotted on a long list of celebrities like Kirstin Dunst, Lori Harvey, Kourtney Kardashian and Kirsten Bell. 

The box bob also gives you fun options to try for the season. Rock a chin-length bob like Hailey Bieber and Lori Harvey to highlight your cheekbones or jawline. Or leave the ends slightly longer (so they fall just an inch above the shoulders) to show off length and create a more voluminous effect like Zendaya and Kristen Bell. Either way, the box bob is completely customizable to fit your hair type, texture and style. 

As mentioned, this specific style is great on all hair types. However, all the experts we interviewed say it’s best for those with wavy, fine and thin hair. This trendy cut can make lank locks appear fuller and thicker “since the cut is blunt and short, which creates extra volume and makes it easier to style,” says Akaneya. 

Folks with thick or curly hair can definitely try a box bob, too. The short cut will simply add more dimension and accentuate your natural pattern. “When it comes to a box bob, each hair texture can make the cut its own. A stylist can guide you into rocking the best box bob for you,” adds Garcia. 

How to Style a Box Bob

There are plenty of ways to style a box bob and our panel of experts have compiled their top tips and styling inspiration for wearing the trend ahead. 

When you combine two popular styles, you get the best of both worlds. This wet look rocked by Hillary Duff adds a bit of edge to the box bob. Apply a gel or pomade from root to tip before running a wide-tooth comb through to further accentuate your waves. 

You can never go wrong with adding bangs to your box bob. Consider curtain bangs like Lucy Hale’s to frame the face, while adding volume up top and overall dimension to your ‘do. 

If you have straight hair, Akaneya suggests running a flat or curling iron through it to add shape and movement to your locks. Wrap each section around your hair tool of choice, bending the ends to create a wavy pattern that looks relaxed and natural like Kristen Bell’s bob above. Once you finish, apply a mousse or styling spray to minimize flyaways and improve shine. 

A box bob works because it gives life to limp, flat hair. After washing your hair, Akaneya recommends applying an air-dry cream for more body and definition. She adds, “This will give you an effortless ‘cool girl’ texture that takes no time to do.”